I'm 17 years old Finnish High School student. I'm working on my book Rabies. It is a horror book that attempts to understand how people act in extraordinary situations.
Then I write short stories for yet untitled short story collection about young people around the world in different situations.

tiistai 23. joulukuuta 2014

Before I'll start writing my own Christmas tale I will tell you how to write one. Of course there are many ways.

Classic

If you don't have a original idea this might be the right option for you. Before you start writing read classic tales. Do not copy them. Try to catch their spirit that people love year and year out. I think classical story could and should still happen in modern era. Like I said before spirit is hard to capture because it's the heart of the story. That's it, classic tale needs hearth.

Ironic

This one should be original. If you have found some ironic aspect of Christmas you should hit it. Be careful that your story doesn't turn in to preaching. That is always the trouble when you feel strong about the subject. Typical subjects are forgetting of Jesus and rich people giving rich people material things. If you can find some other subject, don't start preaching and create an clever story with interesting character you have a ironic masterpiece in the making. Commercially this is not going to be a hit. Rarely would anyone buy this as a gift.

Modern

This is a story set on Christmas and Christmas is a great theme. Story should have something new, something that makes it different. This is likely hardest to write because you can't rely on previous work but you can't completely leave them.

Some kind of an adventure involving Santa Claus is typical but of course you can make it interesting with a little imagination.

torstai 23. lokakuuta 2014

According to the stats my readers might have missed the Pokemon games and the following series.
I believe most know what Pokemon is but if don't know go to internet near you and find out.
Pokemon franchise could be compared to Marvels super hero products.
Gamefreak is Marvel here. Every aspect of the franchise works under it in a way or another. It all started with a game that grew into to TV series, manga books, trading card game and numerous other products.
All of them are in the same universe but like with Marvel different products take different perspectives. TV series was at the start for the people of all ages but little by little it has turned in to kids series. It shows the world in much softer light. Battles are much more closer to boxing than to an actual dog fight. For example in the video game Bite is a common attack. It's is rarely shown and when it's shown it not and actual 'bite'.
For a while series tried to lessen the amount of physical contact between the creatures by turning the battle in to a 'laser battle' of beams.

Manga has always been more harsh showing more violence and sexual content. Sexual preferences were present at the TV series too but they were quickly toned down as the franchise didn't want anymore scandals.
Manga's world is closer to the original video game world. Manga is naturally further away from the real world focusing in the relationships of the characters.
Origin mini series was a combination of manga and the TV series. Presentation was close to reality but it was violent. It was directed to the older audience.
Since the days of game boy video game sales have been decreasing at steady pace especially in the younger demographic. Folks at Nintendo are no fools. They know they cannot lean on 90's kids forever. Pokemon Black&white was supposed to be a new start but it failed to catch the attention of the younger audience.
Pokemon has a lot fanatic fans but casual players are scared off by humongous amount off Pokemons (719).
TV series is only piece of the franchise that still attracts kids and is more known in the biggest market (USA) than the game.
So little back story there. You might now be interested in hearing what Pokemon world has to offer.
Magical creatures called Pokemon are not so magical in their world. Because there are no animals they are the main source of food and making them fight is a common practice. Franchises products try to show it in a positive light but if I was writing fan fiction those would be the issues I would target.
Pokemon world gives writer an interesting platform to comfort multiple issues like dog/cock fighting being universally accepted. Also because only parts of the world have been explorer even in fan fiction you can create a new region.

torstai 16. lokakuuta 2014

At CC i saw an exercise called Describe Color to the Blind.
It went like this:
"A test in doing the impossible: either framed in characters or outright, or however you think best, try to describe what color is like to a person who has never seen a thing, ever. How can you, in words, get across the idea of what exactly red or blue or any other color is like? The drab scientific understanding of light bouncing can be understood, but the essence of the idea is almost indescribable...that is until you come in! Do your best!"
Here is how I answer ed the question, hopefully you understand my deep thinking:
"Colors are not certain. It is assumed that almost everybody see the colors in the same way but how we understand colors varies. One of the colors is red. When people see red room some think about love and romance, others start to think about hell and lust.They greatly affect the way we view the world, but they bring bias with them. It might be that if you didn't see colors you would see the naked, real, world."

keskiviikko 1. lokakuuta 2014

Melanie's mother had told her that she had beautiful brown hair. Her boyfriend Justin praised her green eyes. Still she started every day looking at the mirror making sure that she looked as perfect as possible.
Her bedroom was small. Whole house was. Walls were thin. You could hear everything.

Kitchen was dirty. They didn't have a separate dining room. They only had a small table in the kitchen. She had hard time enjoying her breakfast. Her parents were fighting. They fought every morning continued in afternoon and they made up before going to sleep like nothing had happened.
"You should demand that promotion. You have been doing that same damn job for 14 years!" mom shouted.
"I can't demand it. I get it when they think I'm ready!" dad shouted.
When her parent's fought melodies started to play inside her head. They brought comfort. Her music teacher Braxton had said that pressure creates diamonds. She hoped that that was true.
She ate her cereals quick and ran to the bus stop. Justin was there waiting.
"Hi", said Justin.
"Hi", said Melanie.
"Do you want to hang out after school?"
"Like always", she said.
In the buss she kissed Justin. She rarely kissed him privately. They hugged though. Melanie liked that. Kissing was just for image.

School days just went by. She made melodies up in her head. Music was only subject she payed attention to. Teacher Braxton was always interested in what Melanie had to say. She didn't like the music she had to sing. She loved blues. Her classmates wanted pop and rock all the time. Braxton was able to slip in some Blues once in a while.
Hanging out in the mall was getting boring. Everybody even Justin felt empty. When she tried to start a intelligent conversation with girls they always ended up talking about boys or crappy music they listened to. Boys started to talk about all the ridiculous stuff they had done. Sometimes they hit on her. It was just awkward but got Justin mad. Melanie didn't like violence but she was happy that somebody was ready stand up for her.

One evening she was making homework in her room. Her room was full of pink. Pink bed, closet, table, chair almost everything. She didn't even like pink that much but mom had her so called style that couldn't be questioned.
Her parents couldn't be quite. Happy or angry they were noisy.
This time they were fighting over hoovering. She never got use to it. She just gave up on her homework and started to listen to music. She had stereos but couldn't use them because her parent's always got mad about blues. Melanie didn't know why. She had tried to ask her mother but you couldn't get a sensible answer out of her.
One Friday morning she realized that she didn't want to be with Justin anymore. He was too typical and predictable. He lacked adventure. If something she didn't live a boring life. This might have been some kind of mood swing but she felt that it was the right thing to do.
She ate her breakfast in a record time.
There Justin was smiling. Waiting for the bus like every morning.
"Hi!" he said.
"Hi" she said.
"I have something important to tell you. This is not going work. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. Don't be sad it's me not you," said Melanie.
"What! You can't do this to me!" Justin shouted.
Melanie blocked Justin. She had learn that from her father. She saw Justin but heard the beautiful melody. Da da daa da da da daa. It went something like that.
Justin waked Meanie from her thoughts slapping her. It wasn't much more than a bitch slap but it was an act of violence.
Melanie was about to cry.
"Don't cry," said Justin.
"Nobody needs to know about this. Let's just smile and work this out later".
Melanie didn't say anything. In the bus she sat next to Justin. Justin tried to hug her. Melanie gave him the meanest look she had. She wasn't going to do anything with Justin ever again.

After she left Justin she started to care less about being popular. She spent less time with his schoolmates, more time at Pinky's. It was towns biggest club that had Blues every Friday. She was underage but fit in fell with older people. She didn't like the social codes of high school. At Pinky's you could tell everybody how you felt. They also shared their stories and emotions. One story especially touched Melanie. One old man who wasn't local told his life story in exchange for glass of wine.
"I was born in 1928. I was in right time. Didn't have to go to any war. I don't know how much you know about history but when I was growing up it was bullshit to be a black man. I don't mean to brag but I'm the real from the bottom to the stop story", told old man. Melanie didn't mean to intrude but he had to ask.
"What did you do? Were you a musician?" Asked Melanie.
"Yes I was and I still am. I use to perform every night all cross the state. You probably haven't heard of me. I never released an album. If you don't leave something permanent they will forget about you," said the old man.
"I didn't catch your name?" Melanie asked.
"Morgan, just Morgan," he said.
"Look at the time. I have to go. I need get some sleep before I leave Orlando. New city, new club, new adventure", he said.
"Good bye," said Melanie.

Just now she noticed how old he looked. He walked like Quasimodo. She was about to ask his phone number but figured that he probably doesn't have one.
That's the life I wanna live, thought Melanie.
Once a month there was amateur night. Melanie had performed at school but other than that this was his first. Melanie was scared to death. She looked magnificent in her golden strapped dress. She felt like a little girl but looked most certainly like a adult. Make up was done just right. Her brown hair was from some commercial. She didn't need Photoshop.
She finally stepped on the stage. Crowd was full of happy people mouths open in a wide smile. She started with positive songs. She shook but after few verses she forget about the audience. Power of the music went trough her body. Blues took her away. Last song Cry Me a River made even the toughest men tearful.
Audience whistled and clapped more than in any show in years. It took hours that Melanie really understood what had happened.

Melanie had met Pinky but this was the first time she was invited to his office. Pinky was an older man. Still Melanie found him handsome and he wasn't even that old. He was black like most people here. He was dressed in all purple and had a lot of beautiful rings.
"Hi Melanie! I saw your show last night. I could praise you all day but I like to go straight to the point. Are you interested in performing every Friday? People love you and want to get some more," said Pinky.
"I would love to!" Said Melanie.
She thought she was dreaming but when they shook hands Melanie noticed Pinky's strong grip.
This is my chance to become independent, free, thought Melanie.
Melanie moved to little motel. Pinky payed her rent. She quit school. She did all this so fast that her parents were surprised when she called them from hotel.
"Are you out of your mind!" Melanie's mom shouted.
Melanie shouted back, "I'm almost 18. I can decide for myself. You can't force me to come back!"
"If you don't come back right now I'm not going open the door next month when you come back growling," mom shouted.
Melanie hanged up. Usually she cried after she had fought with her mother. Now she felt powerful. She convinced herself that there was no need to be sad. Her new better life was starting. No more fighting.
Her first official show. This was her chance to show what she could do. She was about to throw up. She had been practicing but didn't felt ready. Pinky's had never seemed so huge. Just before show started Pinky came to talk to her.
"I believe in you, crowd believes in you, now you just have to believe in yourself," he said.

Then Pinky pushed Melanie to the stage. She planned to say something but couldn't. She just closed her eyes and started to sing. Band followed her improvisation quickly. Once again blues took her away and two hours felt like two minutes.

Crowd went crazy. No one had gotten this exited about B.B. Kings classics. They chanted her name and first time in her life she was asked for an autograph. After she gave one she had give it to tens of others.

Pinky drove her to motel and started to talk to her. It was more like preaching though.
"You will get offers from major labels in no time. What you do is special," Pinky said.
"Thank you!" said Melanie.
"Some changes needs to be made though. We need to get you a body guard. Fans are nice but when you get hundreds of them you need protection. You should consider other costumes. What you got right now is good. I like gold but Pink is my favorite color", Pinky said and when he smiled Melanie saw his golden teeth.

"There is also something else. You already know I'm a huge blues fan, but way the business is rolling R&B is where it's at. You ought to think about that."
"Thank you for the advice. I'll think about that."
Next few months went fast. Four shows in a week. Melanie didn't get to play blues but she had a whole lot of fun. For once she was a center of a attention for right reasons.
Her parents called.
"Hi!" her father Tim said.
"You know I don't want to talk to you", she said.
"We just wanted you to know that we have worked things out. You can come back any time. We miss you", he said.
Fighting was just going to start again after the 'honeymoon', she thought.
"I'm sorry dad I can't come back. Not while she's there. Besides I'm having fun here"
"I worry about you Mel, I worry a lot"
"Don't worry I'll be alright", she said and hung up.
She started reminiscing all of the good times with her dad. She started to tear up.
I own nothing to them. I'm finally my own boss, she thought.
After one show some men were harassing Melanie. "You make me hot!" one man shouted.
"I wanna fuck you right in the pussy!" yelled one.
"O right, back off you two", Melanie's bodyguard Terry said.
"Don't get angry big man I'm just offering her something she needs", first man said.
"What you needs is a bullet in your ass", Terry said.
Melanie wasn't sure Terry even carried a gun.

Around 6 pm every show night Terry came to get her. Pinky's was just few blocks away from motel so they walked. Melanie was never harassed by sober people when she was with Terry.
I guess he looks scary to them, thought Melanie. Terry was black, tall 6'5. He always wore sunglasses on duty to cover his tiny eyes.
"Terry, do you like rhythm more than blues?" asked Melanie smilingly. He rarely talked about his opinions but when he did Melanie was all ears.
"I like stories. I also like passion and little humor. Blues combines all of those things and it sounds good too. Music just for sake of entertainment is waste of time", said Terry and then looked at Melanie and added, "You got a start somewhere"
Terry knew so much about music . One night after a show he supposed just to drop her off but they ended up listening music from her laptop till the morning.
"Uuu! I haven't heard Blind Lemond Jeffersons originals in years. You can't find these anywhere", said Terry. He looked like a kid in a candy store.
"Is this really your first time in You Tube?" Melanie asked with a smirk on her face.
"Last time I was in the web there was no such thing as Google", he said.
"How do you get so smart without Google?"
"Libraries still exists for older people. I get all I want from there and from the record store"
"Still you couldn't find Blind Jefferson?"
"It's crazy how you find the oldest things from the newest places. Luckily I have you helping me with these"
It's nothing really. You protecting me is much more important"
As they stared each other Melanie noticed that Terry was a young man. Not much past 25 for sure.
"I better get going," Terry said interrupting the beautiful moment.
Melanie laid on her bed wondering could a thing between her and Terry be possible. She didn't want to ruin a great friendship if Terry didn't feel the same. She also thought about what Terry had to say about music. She felt ashamed that she performed just R&B when she had a platform to perform blued and really affect people. She could also impress Terry and maybe, just maybe give him a kiss at the right moment.

One Saturday night show she went to Pinky's office. She tried to be calm, but she had the same feeling she had when she moved.

"It's one blues show a week or nothing," said Melanie. No hi or hello. She went straight to the point. She felt powerful and confident.

"If you take something away from me I take something away from you. I ain't gonna pay your bodyguard for one show. This is cold city. You need protection", Pinky said.

"I don't need him, I don't need you, I don't need anybody!" shouted Melanie. She burst in tears as she rushed out of the office to motel. All feeling of power and confidence was gone.

3 am Sunday morning Melanie was just going to sleep after shower.
Then somebody knocked. She was in a hold in few seconds. Man holding her was Rico. He was one of Pinky's bodyguard. Another bodyguard Taylor was watching at the door. She thought she saw little glimpses of humanity behind those glasses.
Rico threw Melanie to the bed. She screamed but it didn't help. She trief to get away but pain was too much.

"Taylor! What is going on!" shouted Rico.

"Get off her!" Melanie could recognize that voice anywhere. It was Terry!
Rico let her go and said, "What are you doing? You don't make the rules. I don't make the rules"

"I think for myself. You should try it too Rico," responded Terry. Then Terry dropped his gun.

perjantai 5. syyskuuta 2014

I'd like see problems in life as changes to grow.
When my biggest problem involves writing I know I'm doing good.
My problem is the difficulty of describing. When I write story just flows trough me. I see everything in my head. Then I just write it down. Writing might take a while and I edit, but it turns out very rushed. I have attempted to addressed the issue but still I get comments about it.
Many have advised me to read more. Like Stephen King said "Write more and read moor.
" I think my language is good enough but by reading I should get more tools to create atmosphere.
If you have a problem in writing maybe you could share it with us.
I wrote this via android. I should get a medal for that!

torstai 28. elokuuta 2014

Well this is something different. I'm not going to publish yet anything but I'm going to tell you what has happened this week.
I have been sick. Fever and sore throat. I didn't let that stop me.
I have been heavily editing Melanie's blues. Folks at Writing forum have been very helpful. I feel that I have really developed as a writer. Melanie's Blues has ingredients for a full long book.
Also shot out to critique circle. It's also a good site. I sent Good Day there and I got a lot of interesting and encouraging information. Thank you for that. I plan to keep Good Day short but likely it's going to get a little longer.
I'm also working on a comic named Brutus the Pig. More about that later. If you like drawing you might get a change to work with Mike!
Luckily my little brother is good at drawing also. I'm more of a writer type.

sunnuntai 17. elokuuta 2014

Melanie was a confident girl. Her mother had told her that she had beautiful brown hair. Her boyfriend Justin praised her green eyes.

Behind all this was great sorrow. Melanie's parents were breaking up. They had been for last four years. They fight all the time.

When Melanie was younger she tried to intervene but soon found out it was no use. Fighting had to felt someday. That day might be coming soon.

She had been escaping harsh reality through music. People said she sang blues from the heart. They said she sounded better than any white girl they had ever heard.

Melanie was bad at school. She couldn't focus on her homework.

One Friday she realized that she didn't want too be with Justin anymore. He was too typical and predictable. She told Justin that it was over. Justin got angry, close to violent. Justin's behavior proved men and women didn't belong together.

As home got worse and worse she spent more and more time at Pinky's. It was towns biggest club that had Blues every Friday. She was underage but fit in fell with older people. She didn't like to hang out with people of her own age.

Melanie had met Pinky but this was the first time she was invited to his office. Pinky praised Melanie. He said Melanie could be next weeks leading performer, but she had to show that she was all in.

Melanie moved to little motel provided by Pinky. She quit school. When she told her parents they got mad but were soon at each other again.

Melanie shined. After the show many invited her to star at their clubs. Pinky told them that Melanie was performing exclusively at Pinky's.

Pinky told Melanie that she would get offers from major labels in no time. If she wanted to truly hit it big she had to change things.

"You have to sex it up a little bit. Blues doesn't sell, you have to go little R&B," Pinky said. Melanie didn't really agree but went along.

Next few months went hard. Four shows in one week. She felt that she was improving every performance and crowd get more and excited.

Her parents called. They said they had sorted things out. She had heard the same lies too many times.

Sometimes after shows some men were harassing Melanie. Her bodyguard Terry was always there protecting her.

Terry and Melanie developed a friendship.Long nights talking about music and life get Melanie to think. She wanted to go back to blues and start making her own songs. She good do one show a week for Pinky.

After one Saturday night show she went to Pinky's office. She tried to be calm, but Pinky clearly didn't want to change anything.

"It's one blues show a week or nothing," said Melanie.

"If you take something away from me I take something away from you. I ain't gonna pay your bodyguard for one show. This is cold city. You need protection, Pinky said.

"I don't need him, I don't need you, I don't need anybody!" shouted Melanie. She burst in tears as she rushed out of the office to motel. She didn't understand why anybody didn't understand her.

3 am Sunday morning Melanie was just going to sleep after shower. Then somebody knocked. Carelessly she opened the door and immediately Rico one of the Pinky's bodyguards assaulted her. Another bodyguard Taylor was watching at the door.

Most terrible thing was that she couldn't do anything and nobody was going to help. Regular couples made even more sound here. She wanted to think about something else but couldn't.

"Taylor! What is going on!" Shouted Rico.

"But your hands up! Melanie could recognize that voice anywhere. It was Terry! Rico put his hands up and said "What are you doing? You don't make the rules. I don't make the rules."

"I think for myself. You should try it too Rico," responded Terry. Then Terry dropped his gun.

perjantai 15. elokuuta 2014

He wasn't a popular kid but he had friends. He wasn't confident about his look. Glasses and all.

First class was math. Matthew was good at math but didn't excel.

Second class was English. Like at math he was good but didn't excel. Matthews English had been dropping. Reason was a girl named Regina. Matthew had had his eye on her since kinder garden but could never get close. Matthew wasn't good with pretty girls. He was straight up about it.

He didn't heard a word teacher said. He was lost in her hair. Matthew's best friend Thomas said Matthew looked like a creep. He didn't care.

Third class was history. Regina was there too so it didn't really matter what class it was or how good at it Matthew was.

Other classes just flew by. Regina wasn't there but that didn't stop Matthew from dreaming.

Last class of the day was biology. That was the only subject Matthew excelled in. Regina was also in this class.

They were asked to form groups. Matthew always worked with Thomas but now Thomas went with somebody else. Matthew might have neglected Thomas so he wasn't surprised.

"Matthew you can work with Regina and Holly," teacher said. Matthew was ever so happy to be a third wheel. He thought that this was his change to make a move. When he went to sit next to Regina he thought he blushed. He didn't dare to open his mouth.

"So, what you know about heart?" Asked Regina.

"Some...thing", Matthew mumbled.

After a slow start Matthew got himself together and started to shine with his knowledge.

"Do you study this on your free time? 'Cos you are really good," Regina said.

"I just stay awake most of the time," said Matthew. Regina laughed. Matthew was always wondering were people laughing with him or at him but this time he didn't have to wonder.

"I'm really bad at biology. Could you teach me sometimes?" Said Regina.

"Sure", responded Matthew. You couldn't see it from his face but he was the happiest man in the world.

Although Holly looked at them Matthew felt that they were all alone. Matthew was going to kiss her but understood that it wasn't smart.

Matthew wouldn't have wanted the class to end but knew that best was still yet to come.

Walking out of the school he dreamed about life with Regina. Just before he opened the door somebody came inside. That somebody looked old and dirty but Matthew had his mind on the best day of his life.

sunnuntai 10. elokuuta 2014

If YOU are have anything to say about this work of art please comment.Delia Briggs

15 years. That's what Delia had to give to the young man. Though he was closer to a boy. Delia's mother said she was too humane to be a judge, she might have been right.

Delia saw her childhood friend in that boy. Her friend was still to this day in prison, because of a heartless jury. Now same was happening to this boy. 15 years was the minimum. Delia couldn't do anything else for him. Still she felt extremely guilty.

Delia left the courtroom and headed home were her cats were waiting. They always made her happy. Dog might be mans best friend, but cat was definitely woman's best friend. Driving home, she cried. All her life she wanted to be a judge, but now, she felt more like an executioner. She never was interested in being a lawyer. She couldn't help bad people out of trouble. Maybe she should have become a public defender, but pay was really small. Her cats needed good food, and she didn't mind little luxury either.

Suddenly she heard a bang. She had hit something. Car front was all bloody. It was a dog, she started crying again. She just wanted to get home, but bad things kept happening.

The road was almost empty and only a few cars passed. None of them stopped. It was a typical white neighborhood.

Delia wasn't sure what to do.

She didn't want to look at the dog, but from the corner of her eye she saw that dog's mouth was leaking saliva. She decided to call 911, dog was probably dangerous to the environment. ”Do not touch the dog”, emergency center employee said. Wasn't going to, Delia thought.

Delia left the dog there and headed home. She felt guilty for driving while crying, it was like driving drunk. On the way she saw lot's of dead dogs. Why do people not keep them on a leash. Delia felt like this was worst day of her life.

Once she arrived to the flat she turned the radio on. People were advised to keep and eye on their pets and to immediately seek medical help if scratched or bitten.

Delia's cats Kiki and Sienna were safe and warm, lying on the couch. They were beautiful persians.

Her thoughts were back on the case. A young male attempted to rob a pawn shop with a toy gun. He failed miserably. He was just trying to feed his family. Delia wanted to help not to imprison people like that young man. Maybe she had chosen the wrong career. She felt like she had a world on her shoulders.

Delia went to sleep quite early, news were worrying but she had her mind on other things.

Jack Garrett

Jack was playing golf like always. When he ain't working he'll be golfing, that's what his friends use to say, but nowadays he spends most of his time with Dorothy.

About six o'clock, he started heading to Dorothy's, like always, driving his trusted golf kart, Wallace. On the way, he adored the beautiful Florida spring.

Immediately after parking Jack heard strange sounds coming from the house, he grabbed his five iron and opened the door. Thank god Dorothy doesn't lock the door, Jack mumbled.

What Jack saw when he opened that ornamental door, was the most disgusting thing he had ever seen. At least it came close. Dorothy’s dog Sammie; was eating a cat, its mouth was covered in foam, he acted fast with one strong swing at the bloody dog. Jack started to wonder, where is Dorothy? As the dog laid unconsciously on the floor he put it out of its misery, then he ran through kitchen to the bedroom, on the bed was the worst sight imaginable, Dorothy's body completely ravaged. At least the dog had spared her beautiful face. He cried and called 911.

He didn't want to clean this up.

Jack was told that cases like this were happening all around town. Jack got worried and decided to go to his house and get his gun.

Jack's home wasn't far away so he got there quick. On the way he saw a man beating a dog, normally he would have rushed to protect the dog, but it had the same strange glee in its eyes that Sammie had. It's mouth was bloody, it had killed too. Jack was driving slow, and he saw more than he would have wanted to.

Jack went back to Dorothy's house to see if police had arrived. He also wanted to warn neighbors because radio wasn't telling the whole story.

Dorothy's street looked like Mogadishu, crashed cars , bodies of both men and animal. Some people he recognized. Mostly old folks who lived in this gated community.

No help had arrived and it looked like nobody is going to arrive. Jack sat in his car and thought: So long I have worked for to get to good neighborhood, and once I get there it collapses. Damn.

Jack sensed world had changed. He had to change with the world, like he always had.

Orlando looked so apocalyptic that Jack decided to leave the town and head to his cousin's at the countryside. His cousin Arnold lived in the small town south of Orlando. It was few hours away but it might take longer because of mass escaping that Jack predicted. Good thing Arnold is allergic, thought Jack.

While driving Jack called Arnold, Arnold's wife Louise answered, ”Jack! Are you OK?”

”Yes, can I stay at your house for a while. Orlando has gone mad”, said Jack.

”Of course you can. According to news whole country, probably whole world has gone mad. But Johnsonville is peaceful, though”, Louise coughed, ”We had to kill a lot of dogs, and cats to make sure it whatever it is doesn't spread. Arnold can tell you more when you join us.”

Roads were emptier than usual. Guess people were dumb enough to obey the news, thought Jack. Jack didn't stop matter what he saw, and he saw some terrible things. ”Looks like people out here have realized how bad it is”, said Jack to himself. It always eased the stress.

Arnold was smoking his pipe when Jack arrived. After they had greeted they told each other what they had seen. They talked late to the night.

Delia Briggs

Around 4 am Delia was waken up by gun shots. Shooting was scary but what was even scarier was the fact that nobody arrived, at least Delia didn't hear any sirens. TV advised everybody to stay inside but she felt like it was time to go. But where?, she wondered.

Delia didn't have many close friends. She was the only child in a single parent family. Her mother had past away fairly young few years ago. But there was one person she had to call. Her best friend Marlene.

Marlene didn't answer, Delia tried multiple times but nothing. Delia got even more worried. She decided she had to get out of potentially collapsed town. She started packing.

She gathered herself and ran down the stairs straight to her car. Delia's cats followed her. They were smart cats.

Streets were scary empty, but Delia didn't stay to think about that. She didn't know where she was going. She decided to head to the south. Less people in south means less dogs which means less trouble, thought Delia.

After few blocks she saw an old lady stumbling on the street. She couldn't leave her there, she stopped and shouted from the car, “Are you all right?”

“I'm good thank you”, old lady mumbled.

Lady had hard time walking. Delia asked, “Where are you heading?”

“To Johnsonville, that's where my son lives”, said the old lady.

“Is it in the south?” asked Delia.

“That's right, are you headed that way?” said the old lady.

“If it is in the south”, said Delia with a smile on her face.

Old lady stepped to the car, cats seemed to like her. It was much nicer to travel in company, Delia discussed with the gray headed lady. She found out lot of things. Her name was Agatha Perkins, she was 81 years old and claimed to be very healthy. Delia had her doubts about that though. Agatha's son Elmer was 56 yer old. Agatha was from Johnsonville , but had lived for decades in Orlando.

Delia felt a deep connection between her and Agatha.

As Johnsonville was only few miles away Delia dared to ask the question, “I really have no place to stay, to be honest I have never been to Johnsonville.”

Agatha was quiet for a moment, but then her big smile returned,“Of course you can stay with us. Elmer has a big house!”

Jack Garrett

After breakfast Jack and Arnold went to the big meeting at the town hall. At town hall man named Erick spoke about plan for the future,

“As most of you know our mayor was killed by his own dog. That's tragic, and what's even more tragic is the fact that all of our councilman, expect for me, were at the meeting in Orlando. Our councilman have messaged us, that they are going to wait for things to clear up before they dare attempt to return home. I myself, don't believe that things are going to get any easier. These vicious dogs and cats that we have seen, are only the beginning. If you ask for my humble regular Joe opinion, I think that someone want's us, as people, to collapse. What ever it is that threatens us, we need to stand strong against it. That's why I think that the best plan right now is to chose me as your mayor so that we can figure this thing out. Everybody that thinks that they are strong enough to face these demons put your hands up!”

People seemed to agree with Erick and he got huge round of applause. Jack didn't like his style at all.

“He is the towns priest. Quite popular, especially in time of need like this one”, said Arnold.

Preacher and a politician, Jack couldn't imagine many combos worst than that.

After Erick, Erick Black was chosen to be the new Mayor, he handpicked the new temporary councilmen. Arnold was chosen. They headed to the “war room”, also know as former mayors living room. Jack was allowed to join them. Apparently Erick thought he might have some inside information about the city. Jack liked the guys Erick had picked, first of all everyone of them carried a gun and they were past the middle age. Type of guys that follow their brain, not other parts.

Erick presented his plan, ”Our area is small, about 1000 people. Realistically we can build a wooden wall, and after that we can destroy all non-livestock animals. I know it's harsh and I know only cats and dogs have gotten the disease that makes them mad, but this is something we have to do. If everybody do their job I think wall can be ready in few months. We need to close the roads first so that we can regulate immigration. We don't want the whole world to move in to our precious town.”

Despite being an preacher Erick proved to be a really good guy with a clear. That's what Jack liked.

Jack was sent to guard the northern border, the road he came through to Johnsonville. His job was to decide who to let through. Erick had ordered them to be harsh. Only relatives in, outsiders out.

Luckily, only few cars came. Jack ordered them to follow radios orders and head to north. Some clearly weren't going to go back, but were scared of the sight of angry man with guns.

Then came grey car, Nissan. Driver was a black female next to her sat a old white lady. “Hi!" said the female, “Can you let us trough?" "I think you and mam there should head back to north”, said Jack. “Can't you let us in? My son Elmer, Elmer Cronin lives here”, said the old lady. “What about her? She isn't a relative is she?” asked Jack with intentionally threatening voice. “She is my best friend Delia Briggs, and my name is Agatha Cronin”, said the old lady. “Understood”, said Jack.

After they had left Big Ron, one of the guards working with Jack said, “We have already one family of those, boy always causing trouble”. Jack didn't care about the girls race, but he didn't like her attitude. She was trouble maker for sure. Jack was good at reading faces.

Delia Briggs

Elmer was a really nice man. So was Elmer's wife Ann and his daughter Memphis. Ann looked quite regular with her boring brunet hair. Memphis was beautiful 9-year-old girl. Delia wondered how two parent looking like that could get a child like that. Delia understood that her opinion was quite controversial so she didn't say anything.

“Let me show you your room,” said Ann. Their guest room was wonderful. Their whole house felt like a palace.

Now alone at her room she let her cat's free. She had hidden her cats when she saw men with guns. Now she has to find what Elmer and the folks think about cats. Thankfully Agatha wasn't going to say anything. And her cats were smart, they knew when to shut up.

At the dinner table they talked things that seemed pretty irrelevant in this situation, but Delia understood that they wanted to spare Memphis. When Memphis left the table tone of the discussion changed. Delia discover that locals had killed all of their pets. Elmer didn't seem to agree with all the killing, but Ann thought they were necessary. Delia decided that she should talk with Agatha to Elmer.

Soon after dinner guys with guns came to recruit Elmer to join the guard. Elmer who apparently didn't even own a gun wasn't interested. Still guys gave him a shotgun for protection against animals. Elmer reluctantly took it. Guard told about the Town hall meeting tomorrow Thursday. Evenings atmosphere was very tensed. Agatha played with Memphis like nothing had happened, Ann watched TV tried to get as much information as possible. Delia talked with Elmer. Elmer didn't seem very worried about the situation.

“Seems like some kind of Rabies epidemic. Animals that get infected don't live long. This animal issue doesn't last long. I'm more worried about people. This kind of crisis reveals the worst in people. I hope that government takes care of the people who follow their instruction, because if they don't. Well you know what happened after Katrina, when Busk flew over New Orleans. This time it's much bigger. According to the news this only happening in Florida and army heading to Orlando, they are already in Miami. This is going to end soon, I just hope that people calm down,” said Elmer.

Delia felt little better now. Guess things were going to be okay.

“Do they know what caused this?” asked Delia.

“They don't know. My guess is some kind of mutation of Rabies. I'm not any expert in these issues. I don't think anybody is in Johnsonville,” answered Elmer.

Thursday morning Delia knew she had to talk about the cats sooner or later. She didn't want ruin good relationship she had with Cronin family. Maybe she could just tell later when things calm down.

10 am they went to town hall for the meeting. Agatha stayed with Memphis. Elmer tried to protect Memphis but she heard the news, she sensed the fear of her mother but she didn't say anything, she was smart girl.

At the meeting preacher Erick who had become mayor was speaking. He praised the guard that had about 100 men. That means 10% of the folks living in Johnsonville are walking around with guns. All of them were male. Erick talked whole lot of nonsense about devils ans such and such.

Town hall meeting felt like a waist of time.

Jack Garrett

At the Town hall meeting Jack was named the head of the guard. For a man who preachers against outsiders he trusted Jack a lot. Arnold was ordered to check out if the farms in the east were okay. Phone lines stopped working during the night but luckily electricity still worked.

Jack sent Big Ron to the northern border. Jack wanted drive around town and learn the area. He was going to stay here for awhile.

In few hours Jack got to now a lot of folks. Shop keeper Maurice Erickson was a nice elderly man with thigh mustaches. He seemed quite hopeful about army coming to save everybody. Jack was more pessimistic, he didn't trust governments ability before and he definitely didn't trust it now. Jack also didn't like all that god talk that Erick and others spoke. It wasn't the devils disguised as animals, it was people acting like people act. Viciously to get to there goals. Who was behind this he didn't know and really didn't care. Idea of isolating from the outside world by building walls seemed pretty good.

Then suddenly Benjamin, member of Arnold's crew came in shouting, “Jack, Jack!”

“Calm down. What has happened?” said Jack seemingly worried.

“Arnold and everybody, they are dead, slaughter, at Clayton's by PIGS!” Said Benjamin and nearly fainted.

Maurice helped Benjamin and said, “I think you should do something fast. I will tell folks, but I'm going to avoid creating panic. We don't need that now.”

Because phones had stopped working connecting between groups was hard. If Benjamin's information was accurate Jack had lost 9 men. Jack formed a group of eleven men that were doing minor things around town. Jack left few guys on watch for animals. Jack had learned Johnsonville didn't have much wildlife, although it had some woods.. That was a good thing, and if this was Rabies squirrels and other small animals weren't going to be a problem.

On the way to Clayton's farm, one of the five farms of Johnsonville Jack was glad, that Johnsonville was a small town. It was fast to move and control the town. Farms were going to be important for the future of Johnsonville. Fact that farms were close to each other was a gift and a curse. Currently definitely more of a curse. Jack was starting to regret that he didn't tell Erick anything about this, but he had to make quick decisions.

They arrived to the farm, the had tree cars and nine guns. They parked front of the house, they went to check out if the Clayton family had survived. House was completely empty. Jack saw glass of milk on the table. Looks like somebody left in hurry. “We need to move quick, some can still be alive”, said Jack.

They split in to groups of three and started investigate. Jack went with Lucas and Adam, Lucas looked like a reading man with his Steve Jobs classes. He didn't really know anything about Lucas, not even his last name. Adam Allen was also unknown. Jack thought he should get to know his guys.

Jack's group headed to the pen. If pigs really were attacking this was the most dangerous place, good thing they had big guns. Pen was quite big, it was empty, at least Jack didn't see anything. They investigated the place and then Adam shouted, “You should take look Jack!” It was a skeleton of a child. “It's probably Jack Clayton's body. He was nine I think.” said Adam. “Pigs most likely did this, they eat meat, even each other. In “happy” farms like this they shouldn't, kinda ironic.” said Lucas. Jack didn't even care to answer but Adams was seemingly angry. “We should meet others, see if they have found something.” said Jack.

They met others at the front of the house. Others had founded something at the other pen. Jack already knew what to expect. Scene was horrible and smell was going to be even worst. There were eleven skeleton, guards and Jack Clayton's parents. There were also numerous dead pigs. Jack estimated there were about twenty.

“How many pigs did they have?” asked Jack. Adams answered, “Must be close to hundred.” “What about the other farms?” asked Jack with a growing fear in his heart. “They must have fifty to eighty each. Worst case scenario we have four hundred flesh eating killer pigs on the loose. Sounds like something of a horror movie”, said Adam.

Then one of the guards said angrily, “We should have killed all animals.”

“There is no need to wonder what has and hasn't been done. Whole town is at danger. We need to get back to center and prepare for a longest night of our lives. Somebody has take a car and head to southern border. Tell'em immediately to leave and return to center. We need to give information to people living outside of center. Everybody needs to move to center as quickly as possible. I don't want anymore dead”, Jack was trying to sound confident, but he sure as hell didn't feel confident.